Tag Archives: Internet for All

NTIA Adopts New Measures to Streamline Environmental Impact Permitting Review for “Internet for All” Projects

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Here’s the latest from the NTIA on federal funding…

36 “categorical exclusions” will allow projects with minimal potential for environmental effects to proceed without detailed assessments

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced 30 new “categorical exclusions” established to support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for broadband infrastructure deployments funded by the Internet for All programs. NTIA has also adopted six additional categorical exclusions from the First Responder Network Authority, an independent agency within NTIA, the nation’s communication network for first responders. NTIA has historically relied on 11 categorical exclusions established by the Department of Commerce in 2009 that remain available to support NEPA reviews.

Categorical exclusions are categories of actions that a federal agency has determined, after review by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and therefore typically require neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement. The use of categorical exclusions can reduce paperwork and save time and resources. In March, CEQ issued a letter finding NTIA’s proposed categorical exclusions in conformity with NEPA, noting that “NTIA’s proposal is intended to further NTIA’s compliance with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and increase NTIA’s efficiency in environmental analysis and decision making while fully meeting NEPA’s requirements.”

Broadband deployment projects generally have limited potential for significant environmental impacts, and NTIA’s substantial record of related NEPA reviews supports expanding the list of actions categorically excluded from detailed environmental review.

Examples of the types of activities potentially excluded from detailed environmental assessment include, but are not limited to:

  • Administrative actions such as recruiting, policy development, studies, testing that does not cause ground disturbance, and routine procurement of non-hazardous goods and services.
  • Real property and facilities actions such as maintenance, internal modifications/renovations to existing structures, abatement of hazardous materials, and certain real property transactions.
  • Operational actions such as research within closed facilities, outdoor research activities conducted in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and requirements, new construction of non-tower structures in previously developed areas, new construction of certain self-supporting wireless communications towers, and acquisition, installation, reconstruction, repair by replacement, and operation of aerial or buried utility, communications, and security systems.
  • Certain network deployment activities categorically excluded under the FirstNet Implementing Procedures, such as construction of buried and aerial telecommunications lines and cables, changes or additions to sites supporting telecommunication service, rebuilding/relocation of power or telecommunications lines due to highway reconstruction, and deployment of mobile communications networks.

Detailed lists can be found in the Public Notices found on the National Environmental Policy Act Procedures and Categorical Exclusions and Adoption of FirstNet Categorical Exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act pages.

NTIA has also announced that it will adopt five regional Programmatic Environmental Impact Statements (PEIS) analyzing the deployment of FirstNet, which included infrastructure similar to NTIA’s IFA programs. Expanding the availability of categorical exclusions and enabling programmatic efficiencies like tiering off these PEISs can expedite infrastructure deployment by streamlining NEPA requirements.

Today’s announcement is the third action in as many weeks by NTIA to provide common-sense permitting relief to Internet for All grantees and sub-grantees and other IIJA initiatives as several funded projects prepare for the construction phase.

  • On March 14, NTIA announced that the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation granted its request to make a 2017 program comment establishing streamlined historic preservation permitting rules for communications infrastructure projects on federal lands available to all Internet for All programs.
  • On March 22, NTIA released the Permitting and Environmental Information Application, a publicly available GIS screening tool that enables project proponents to identify permit requirements and potentially sensitive environmental resources early in project planning. The tool is also helping grantees design projects that will qualify for categorical exclusions and identify and initiate permit applications at the earliest possible time. In the week since launching, users have accessed the tool approximately 2,500 times.

For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative, please visit InternetForAll.gov.

OPPORTUNITY: Comment on MN’s Draft Digital Opportunity Plan

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Minnesota State Library Services shares advice to help libraries encourage Minnesotans to comment on the Digital Opportunity Plan; it will impact the who, where and how much money will go into digital equity around the state. I know we can’t all be librarians, but I think a lot of readers will have comments to share and colleagues or constituents who might be interested too…

Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) invites public comment on a draft Digital Opportunity Plan. (Read an executive summary, or the full Digital Opportunity Plan.)

This plan will guide the state in investing an anticipated $20 million from the federal Digital Equity Capacity Grant to expand digital inclusion for all Minnesotans through access to the internet, access to devices, and digital skills training.

Libraries can encourage public comment on the plan in two ways:

  • Request free copies of the plan and handouts for your library! Copies of the plan are about 100 tape-bound pages. Handouts are one page and come in 50-copy bundles. Consider having a full copy of the plan on hand in case a patron wants to review it. OBD will process orders on Friday afternoons from August 18 to September 15. Please plan on two weeks for processing and delivery. For assistance completing the form, please call 651-259-7267 or email Hannah.Buckland@state.mn.us.
  • Promote a Digital Opportunity Listening Session happening near your library! These are free events for all Minnesotans to bring their thoughts about access to the internet, access to devices, digital skills, and Minnesota’s digital future. There are two virtual sessions and 16 in-person events happening around the state in late August and September. See the Connecting All Minnesotans flyer for dates, times, and locations.

The public comment period ends September 29, 2023.

Update from NTIA: Making Internet for All in America: The Next Steps

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An update from the NTIA…

Making Internet for All in America: The Next Steps

Following President Biden’s State of the Union Address in January, NTIA announced that it would take a strict approach to enforcing Build America, Buy America requirements for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Now we’re ready to provide more specifics.

The justification for a firm approach to enforcement is clear. Internet for All is a once-in-a-generation investment to expand and upgrade America’s high-speed Internet networks, with $42.45 billion in funds from the BEAD program alone. Those American tax dollars should be used to buy products made in America and to create hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

That’s why NTIA is proposing a limited and targeted waiver of Build America, Buy America provisions for the BEAD Program that follows this strict approach to enforcing rules that protect and create American jobs.

Proposal: Majority of fiber broadband equipment will need to be made in the U.S, including optical fiber, fiber optic cable, key electronics, and enclosures. 

The policies recommended in this draft waiver will ensure that close to 90% of BEAD funding spent on equipment will be spent on equipment manufactured in the United States. The proposed waiver is the result of months of careful analysis of market conditions and sustained outreach to industry and stakeholders.

As a result of these efforts, NTIA established criteria to prioritize products targeted for onshoring:

 

  • Strategically important technologies, like those that ensure the security, integrity, and reliability of network data, should be produced in America.
  • If a product’s domestic manufacturing line can be scaled quickly, it should be produced in America.
  • And if a product—like the fiber-optic cable so critical to deploying high-speed Internet networks in communities throughout the country—comprises a significant portion of the overall network spend, it should be produced in America.

There are, however, limited circumstances where a nonavailability waiver will be needed for certain pieces of broadband equipment. For example, as the Biden-Harris Administration and the Commerce Department are engaged in a whole-of-government effort to reinvigorate America’s domestic semiconductor industry, NTIA acknowledges that some chips may not be available in time to meet BEAD Program construction timelines. We’ve proposed a limited nonavailability waiver to fit these unique dynamics.

Americans are already seeing the results of the Administration’s aggressive approach to onshoring and domestic job creation.

Several companies have already announced plans to open or expand fiber optic cable and electronics manufacturing operations here in America. Earlier this month Secretary Raimondo joined Vice President Harris in Kenosha, Wisconsin to celebrate Nokia’s plans to expand its broadband electronics manufacturing, creating up to 200 new jobs. Just last week, Adtran, a telecom equipment manufacturer, announced an investment that will see expanded production of key broadband electronics at its Huntsville, Alabama facility and the creation of up to 300 new jobs.  These two companies are joined by fiber optic cable manufacturers like Corning, CommScope, and Prysmian who have all recently announced investments to make more fiber optic cable in the U.S.

The American companies who announced expansions are just the beginning. As 2023 turns to 2024, even more companies will expand production to meet the demand of Internet for All.

These announcements show that ensuring American tax dollars are leveraged to create American jobs works. That’s why we’re doubling down on our approach with today’s proposed waiver.

What’s Next?

Over the next 30 days, stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment on this proposal. After final publication, NTIA will continue to monitor implementation to ensure that we’re creating jobs here at home and delivering affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service to all Americans.

Interested stakeholders with questions are welcome to reach out to BABA@ntia.gov.

Minnesota’s federal broadband BEAD allotment is $650 million

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To be more specific, Minnesota has been allocated $651,839,368.20 for the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. This is slightly more than $650 million estimated last summer. It is undoubtedly a large chunk of money, but as noted in an article in MinnPost, it’s not enough.

In October [2021], the state estimated about 88.5 percent of Minnesotans have access to wireline internet like DSL, cable and fiber at speeds of 100/20 Mbps. And in March, before the Legislature approved $110 million for broadband, DEED officials said they would conservatively estimate the cost of meeting the 2026 goal for adequate broadband at $1.3 billion.

The NTIA reports…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced how it has allocated funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories to deploy affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service to everyone in America. This “Internet for All” initiative is a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda.

States, D.C., and territories will use funding from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to administer grant programs within their borders. The President, Vice President, and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the allocations today at the White House.

“What this announcement means for people across the country is that if you don’t have access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet service now – you will, thanks to President Biden and his commitment to investing in America,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Whether it’s connecting people to the digital economy, manufacturing fiber-optic cable in America, or creating good paying jobs building Internet infrastructure in the states, the investments we’re announcing will increase our competitiveness and spur economic growth across the country for years to come.”

“This is a watershed moment for millions of people across America who lack access to a high-speed Internet connection. Access to Internet service is necessary for work, education, healthcare, and more,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communication and Information Alan Davidson. “States can now plan their Internet access grant programs with confidence and engage with communities to ensure this money is spent where it is most needed.”

“Put simply, high-speed Internet is a necessity in today’s society,” said Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator. “Just like President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Rural Electrification Act made a historic investment in rural areas bringing electricity to nearly every home in America, President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to leaving no community behind as we connect everyone in America to high-speed Internet.”

The BEAD funding will be used to deploy or upgrade broadband networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used to pursue eligible access-, adoption-, and equity-related uses. 

Details related to the allocation for the states, D.C., and territories are available on InternetForAll.Gov.   

States, D.C., and territories (“Eligible Entities”) will receive their formal notice of allocation on June 30, 2023. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Eligible Entities have 180 days from the date of that formal notice to submit their Initial Proposals describing how they propose to run their grant programs. Eligible Entities can begin submitting their Initial Proposals starting July 1, 2023. Once NTIA approves an Initial Proposal, which will occur on a rolling basis, Eligible Entities will be permitted to request access to at least 20 percent of their allocated funds.

 

Version 2 of the FCC’s National Broadband Map is Up!

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The Internet for All folks report on the latest iteration of the national broadband maps. A super quick comparison to maps used for the 2022 Minnesota County Profiles leaves me wondering what the difference is. I’m hoping over the next week to dive deeper into the topic – once I can do more than a spot check…

Today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released Version 2 of the National Broadband Map. This is an important step in meeting President Biden’s goal of connecting everyone in America to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

This map is the most accurate depiction of broadband availability in the FCC’s history. Last year, for the first time ever, the FCC generated a National Broadband Map that includes location level data. This tool provides the transparency needed to better understand the digital divide and to target funding to connect unserved and underserved communities across the country.

Below are NTIA’s three key takeaways from the latest data:

  • Through challenges and additional work that the FCC has been doing to improve the map’s underlying Fabric—a dataset of all locations where Internet service can be installed—the FCC added nearly three million Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) while removing nearly two million for reasons ranging from updated data to the use of sophisticated tools to identify and remove structures like garages and sheds.
  • The FCC’s challenge process resolved more than 3.7 million challenges to the availability data —a dataset that shows whether Internet service is, in fact, available at each location, resulting in a more accurate picture of the high-speed Internet service currently available across the nation.
  • The overall national story remains consistent: From version 1 to version 2 of the FCC’s map, the percentage of unserved locations nationwide increased by 0.2 percentage points.

The release of version 2 of the FCC’s National Broadband Map is an important part of the process of implementing the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This version of the map—plus additional refinements based on the FCC’s continuing work to resolve availability challenges—will be used as the basis for the state allocations for the BEAD program. We know states are eager to learn more about their funding, and we continue to be on track to announce those allocations by June 30th.

It is important to remember that while the number of unserved locations in the FCC’s National Broadband Map will be used in the allocation, it is not a 1:1 correlation to final BEAD funding.  For more information about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law directs NTIA to make allocations, please see our recent blog, “Allocation of Funds.”

NTIA is confident that with this data as a baseline, we will be able to effectively allocate funds by the end of June. We will continue to monitor the FCC’s updates to availability data to ensure that we make a well-informed allocation of these vital funds.

The FCC’s map—and our ability to get the most accurate depiction of Internet access across the country—reflects ongoing collaboration among the federal government, states and territories, industry, and other stakeholders. The data underlying the FCC’s map will help us expand access to the education, healthcare, and economic resources that the Internet provides.

Ultimately, we know tens of millions of people across America do not have access to high-speed Internet service. It is vital we continue to implement this program with urgency and begin the deployment of high-speed Internet infrastructure through the BEAD program as soon as possible.

For more details on how the FCC National Broadband Map Impacts the BEAD Program read our three-part blog series at InternetForAll.Gov. 

NTIA Commits Nearly $500,000 in Internet for All Grants to White Earth in MN

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NTIA  reports…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today it has awarded grants totaling $4,997,592.68 to 10 Tribes as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP).

With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these new grants bring the total of the program to over $1.77 billion awarded to 157 Tribal entities. Record investments in high-speed internet deployment are a key part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

These grants from President Biden’s Internet for All initiative will help reduce monthly Internet service costs, plan for future Internet infrastructure investments, upgrade network equipment, and purchase devices.

White Earth Band of Chippewa in MN was one of 10 recipients:

They received $500,000.00: This Broadband Use and Adoption project will equip 6 community centers/business incubators with computer stations and online training courses for the approximately 3,343 White Earth Tribal Members.

Red Lake Nation College gets almost $2 million from feds to expand broadband

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The Bemidji Pioneer reports…

Red Lake Nation College has been awarded a $1,924,280 grant from the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program.

The program is run by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative, a release said.

Red Lake Nation College is one of 61 minority-serving colleges and universities receiving grants totaling $175 million.

The Red Lake Nation College Connecting Minority Communities project, “Expanding Broadband Capacity at Red Lake Nation College,” aims to upgrade broadband access, capacity and skills for RLNC students, staff and community members, the release said.

The project activities will provide and upgrade on-site internet service and security, upgrade laptop and desktop computers, increase learning software options at RLNC, and provide digital devices and broadband service plans for RLNC students to enable access on and off campus.

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe awarded $18 million in federal Internet for All 

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NTIA announces…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today it has awarded 2 grants as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP). These new grants, totaling more than $36 million, bring the total of the program to over $1.73 billion awarded to 132 Tribal entities. With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, these grants will expand high-speed Internet service network deployment and digital skills training to improve access to education, jobs, and healthcare on Tribal lands.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to connecting all Tribal communities to affordable and reliable high-speed Internet service,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Our Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is continuing its historic and unprecedented commitment to close the digital divide by investing in Native communities.”

Tribes in two states received grants – Hawaii and Minnesota.

More info on the project in Minnesota…

Applicant – Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Project Type – Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Funding Amount – $18,797,452
Description – The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber and fixed wireless to directly connect 4,399 unserved Native American households with qualifying broadband service (fiber to the home service up to 100/40 Gbps and wireless service up to 80/20 Mbps).

MN awarded $5.8 Million in Internet for All Planning Grants

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NTIA reports…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that Minnesota received its first “Internet for All” grants for deploying high-speed Internet networks and developing digital skills training programs under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative. Minnesota is receiving $5,881,905.10 in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden, to plan for the deployment and adoption of affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed Internet service throughout the state.

“Closing the digital divide is essential for Minnesotans to access healthcare, obtain good, high-paying jobs, and connect rural communities who have far too long been disconnected,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “I appreciate Governor Walz and his team for their commitment to connecting Minnesotans to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service.”

“These resources, based on my legislation to bring high-speed, affordable broadband to all corners of our country, will ensure that more Minnesotans can connect to work, school, health care and business opportunities,” said Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar. “As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to close the digital divide and help families across our state reliably access the high-speed internet they need.”

“Broadband is the infrastructure of the 21st century – it isn’t just nice to have, it’s necessary if we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone,” said Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith. “This funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will expand access to affordable, high-speed internet to thousands of Minnesotans. It will also fund programs aimed at promoting digital equity and inclusion so that every Minnesotan, no matter their zip code, has internet access. I’m proud of our work to secure these investments and will continue looking for ways to close the digital divide.”

All 50 U.S. states and six territories applied for planning grant funding for the Internet for All initiative’s Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act program. Grant awards for all 56 eligible entities will be announced on a rolling basis.

About Minnesota’s Planning Grants

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program

The BEAD Program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.

Minnesota will receive $5 million to fund various activities including:

  • Identification of unserved and underserved locations;
  • Efforts to support local coordination including outreach to diverse stakeholders across the Minnesota;
  • Planning and capacity-building of the state’s broadband office;
  • Local engagement with unserved, underserved, and underrepresented communities to better understand barriers to Internet adoption.

Digital Equity

The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. The first part of NTIA’s execution of the Digital Equity Act is to fund digital equity planning efforts.

Minnesota will receive $881,905.10 to fund various activities including:

  • Development of a statewide digital equity plan to close the digital equity gap;
  • Recruiting staff to help develop the plan;
  • Engagement of local community members and stakeholders on digital equity issues.

Internet for All

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.

Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward Internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov to learn more.

For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.

More than 235 Applications Submitted to “Internet for All” Middle Mile Grant Program

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The NTIA reports…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today preliminary data that shows over 235 applications were submitted totaling more than $5.5 billion in funding requests for the Enabling Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to investing in affordable high-speed Internet for all.

Included in President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative, the Middle Mile grant program provides $1 billion in funding to projects that connect high-speed Internet networks to each other and reduce the cost of bringing Internet service to communities that lack it. …

Applications for the Middle Mile program were due by September 30, 2022. NTIA will evaluate the applications and make awards on a rolling basis no earlier than March 2023.

It’s daunting to think that $1 billion has been approved and $5.5 billion has been requested. It reminds us that while a lot of federal funding is going to be investing in broadband, it may not be enough to reach all areas. Communities should be getting ready.